** Report: towards a lasting response to the challenges of employment and security in Kindu **
On May 27, 2025, in Kindu, chief town of the Maniema province, a new plea was issued to draw attention to the crucial issue of youth employment. This cry of the heart comes from the NGO “Haki Za Binadamu/Maniema”, whose executive secretary, Raphaël Opelele Lokenga, denounces the urgency of acting in the face of the growing idleness of young people and the threats to their security. This situation raises important questions on the responsibility of the provincial authorities and on the possible solutions to improve the living environment of the inhabitants of this province.
### PROCESSING CONTROP
The province of Maniema, like other regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is at the crossroads. On the one hand, it is full of natural resources and economic potential; On the other hand, it is faced with a social reality marked by poverty, disillusionment and insecurity. The concerns expressed by Mr. Opelele are not new. They echo a widely shared climate of dissatisfaction, nourished by that some qualify as laxity of public authorities in the face of serious problems, such as juvenile delinquency, banditry and general insecurity.
The presence of armed bandits, operating with impunity and attacking citizens in search of serenity, raises a crucial question: how can a society prosper when its members live in fear? The consequences generated by such a situation affect not only security, but also the economic and social fabric. Targeted violence, assaults and theft sow distrust and tarnish the atmosphere of life, making it difficult to fulfill a youth already suffering.
### A call to action
Mr. Opelele also stressed the importance of an adequate response from the provincial government led by Moïse Mussa Kabwankubi. The idea of a job creation program is at the heart of this plea. Indeed, employment plays a fundamental role in the prevention of violence: giving professional prospects to young people can reduce their vulnerability to commitment to criminal activities.
However, the objective of creating jobs also raises questions: what are the skills of local youth and how to adapt them to the needs of the market? Are there possible partnerships between the government, local businesses and citizen organizations to encourage economic initiatives? The answer to these questions requires a concerted and rational approach.
### Consider solutions
At this point, several tracks could be explored to strengthen security and support young people’s employment. First, strengthening the staff of the Congolese National Police (PNC) could take a big step towards better control of the security situation. Insecure reduction is a prerequisite for any effective economic development. However, this requires both logistical and human support, as an insufficient number of agents compared to the extent of the province complicates the task of the police.
Then, an increased effort in the field of vocational education could promote an adequacy between supply and demand on the market. The establishment of workshops or targeted training in schools could make young people with relevant skills, thus giving them the means to find or create their own employment. Private sector engagement in these initiatives could also strengthen the links between training and employment.
Finally, the awareness of young people on the challenges of democratic governance and citizen participation could promote collective awareness. The incentive to participate in local decision -making processes could catalyze a positive change and create a climate of trust between the population and the authorities.
### Conclusion
Kindu, and more broadly the province of Maniema, faces complex challenges that require a multifacette approach. The call for job creation is an essential step, but it must be accompanied by a concerted effort to secure the region and strengthen the education of young people. By initiating a positive and constructive dialogue between the various actors involved, it is possible to lay the foundations for a better future for young people in this province. The road will probably be long, but it is essential to build a society where everyone can project themselves serenely into the future.